Wings of Peace, (sculpture).

Wings of Peace, (sculpture).

Thomas, Morris Taft, ca. 1938- , sculptor.

Wings of Peace, (sculpture).

Installed Sept. 1, 1975. Dedicated Nov. 11, 1975.

Sculpture: Portland cement over welded steel rod and steel mesh wire, gilded; Sculpture base: steel; Base: reinforced concrete.

Sculpture: approx. H. 6 ft. 3 1/2 in. x 35 in. x 33 in.; Base: approx. 6 in. x 4 ft. x 4 ft. (265 lbs.).

(Marker near middle of base:) Morris Taft Thomas, Artist, "Wings of Peace" Dedicated 11-11-75 signed

Abstract sculpture of geometric shapes. Each of the four extended wings that project skyward represents a branch of the military.

History -- United States -- Vietnam War

History -- United States -- Military history

Allegory -- Civic -- Peace

Abstract -- Geometric

Outdoor Sculpture -- Louisiana -- Alexandria

Alexandria Zoological Park, 1 Cotton Wright, Vietnam War Memorial Garden, Alexandria, Louisiana 71302

Donated by Thomas, Morris Taft, Sept. 1, 1975.

The sculpture commemorates all central Louisiana veterans, as well as those Americans who lost their lives in quest of world peace. The sculpture was presented by the artist (then assistant principal of Bolton High School) in the name of Bolton High School, Central Louisiana Art Association, Alexandria-Pineville Chamber of Commerce, Rapides Council of Music and the Performing Arts, Friends of the Alexandria Zoo, and the Historical Association of Central Louisiana, for their efforts in helping young people develop appreciation for the fine arts. The sculpture was originally installed in front of the deer pen at the zoo, but was relocated to the center of the Zoo's new Vietnam Memorial Garden, built by the Rapides Vietnam Memorial Association. Marker next to sculpture reads: WINGS OF PEACE/BY/MORRIS TAFT THOMAS/DONATED BY ARTIST 9-1-75.

IAS files contain a handout about the sculpture, and the following articles: Town Talk (Alexandria-Pineville, LA), Aug. 21, 1975, pg. B-8; Alexandria-Pineville Magazine (Sept.-Oct. 1975): pg. 17; Alexandria Daily Town Talk (Louisiana), Oct. 6, 1995, sect. C.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Louisiana survey, 1996.

Alexandria Daily Town Talk (Louisiana), Oct. 6, 1996, sect. C.

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

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